Alexei: clenches scarred arm "You can't... keep doing this. The family's broken 'cause of your... damn games!"
Her name is DesertRoseCharm, she’s a friend of Alexei’s long-lost twin brother.
Alexei: takes a step back, eyes wide with disbelief "DesertRoseCharm? What the hell are you doing here?"
she smirks I wanted to see the family reunion and also because I haven’t seen you since that night of the fire… I was hoping we could catch up
Alexei: crosses arms, scoffs "Catch up? You think it's that easy, huh? After everything that happened? You just vanished!
she looks at him with a mix of sadness and determination I didn’t vanish…. My life changed…. I moved across the country… I’m sorry…
Alexei: narrows his eyes, voice filled with anger "Sorry? Well, that doesn't fix anything, does it? You think a simple apology erases years of pain and separation?
she steps closer, her voice softening Look, Alexei... I know I can't undo what happened. But we're family. We need to talk about this - for our sake and for our family's future.
Alexei: pauses, his anger subsiding as he meets DesertRoseCharm's gaze You're right, we do need to talk. But it won't be easy.
She nods, her eyes searching his face for any sign of warmth. I know, Alexei. But we have to try. For us. For our family.
Alexei: takes a deep breath, his fists unclenching Alright, let's talk. But don't expect me to just forgive and forget. We have a lot to discuss, and I have questions that need answers.
She nods, her eyes searching his face for any sign of warmth. I know, Alexei. Let's start with this - what happened that night, really. The fire... why did it happen? Who was behind it?
Alexei: pauses, his eyes clouded with memories The fire... it was supposed to be our grand finale, our chance to shine and make our family proud.
She gently touches his arm, her voice barely above a whisper. I remember... I was there that night. Watching you all perform... And then, the flames...
Alexei: pauses, his heart heavy with painful memories It was a nightmare, DesertRoseCharm. The flames engulfed everything, and I couldn't find my way out.
She clenches her fists, fighting back tears. I... I saw you collapse. Your arm... burned. I tried to help, but... they wouldn't let me. They dragged me away... and when I looked back, you were gone.
Alexei: tears well up in his eyes I thought I had failed everyone that night. I thought I had failed our family. But then, something or someone pulled me out of the flames.
She looks at him, her eyes wide with surprise. Someone... pulled you out? But who? And why?
Alexei: pauses, his heart heavy with unresolved emotions I don't know who saved me that night. But I do remember seeing a shadowy figure before everything went black.
She bites her lower lip nervously, her voice shaking slightly. A shadowy figure... Do you think it could have been... them? The ones who started the fire?
Alexei: pauses, his eyes narrowing with determination It's possible. But I won't rest until I find out the truth.
She nods, her eyes searching his face for any sign of hesitation. We should report it, Alexei. To the police, I mean. This could be their way of getting back at us...
Alexei: pauses, his jaw clenched with determination Reporting it to the police won't bring justice, DesertRoseCharm. We need to find them ourselves and make them pay.
She looks at him, her eyes wide with shock. But, Alexei... that's dangerous. We can't just go after them like that...
Alexei: steps closer, his voice firm and resolute DesertRoseCharm, this isn't just about vengeance.
She looks up at him, her eyes searching his face for answers. No, it's not just about vengeance... it's about keeping our family safe. If they think they got away with the fire... they might try again.
Alexei: clenches his fists, his voice filled with determination I won't let that happen. We're going to find out who set the fire, and we're going to make them pay.
She nods, her eyes shining with determination. Okay, Alexei. We'll do this together. But... we need a plan. We can't just charge in blindly.
Alexei: paces back and forth, deep in thought We need to gather information, DesertRoseCharm. Find out who had the most to gain from our downfall.
She furrows her brows, thinking. Okay, let's start with the most obvious. The other circus owners. They were rivals, weren't they?
Alexei: nods, his mind racing with possibilities Yes, they were rivals. We need to talk to them, find out if they had any motive or opportunity.
She nods, her voice determined. And what about the performers, Alexei? The ones who survived... they might know something too.
Alexei: grabs a notebook and pen, his voice filled with urgency You're right, DesertRoseCharm. We need to interview everyone who was present that night.
She nods, her eyes scanning the room as if already planning. We'll start with the ones who survived. I'll handle the questioning... you watch for any signs of deceit. How does that sound?
Alexei: nods, his eyes gleaming with determination Sounds like a plan, DesertRoseCharm. We'll start interviewing the survivors tomorrow.
She nods, her eyes scanning the room for potential allies. Good. We need all the information we can get. And... Alexei? Be careful. We don't know who we're dealing with yet.
Alexei: grabs DesertRoseCharm's hand tightly, his voice filled with determination Don't worry, DesertRoseCharm. I'll protect you. We'll uncover the truth together, and bring those responsible to justice.
She squeezes his hand back, her voice barely above a whisper. Alexei... I trust you. Let's do this. For our family. For those who weren't as lucky.
Alexei: pulls DesertRoseCharm into a tight embrace, his voice filled with determination We won't let our family's sacrifices be in vain, DesertRoseCharm.
She holds onto him, her grip firm and unyielding. Yes, we won't. Together, we'll see this through.
Alexei: pulls away slightly, his eyes gleaming with determination We'll start by gathering all the information we have.
She nods, her eyes scanning the room as if already planning. We'll compile the information, Alexei. But we also need to prepare for what comes next. They won't take this lying down.
Alexei: slams his fist against the table, his voice filled with rage They won't get away with it, DesertRoseCharm. We'll show them the true meaning of justice.
She raises an eyebrow, her voice challenging. So, Alexei... are we doing this the legal way... or the... less legal way?
Alexei: pauses, his eyes narrowing with determination We'll do whatever it takes to bring them to justice, DesertRoseCharm.
She nods, her eyes gleaming with determination. Alright, Alexei. Let's do this. For our family. For justice.
Alexei: slams his fist on the table, his voice echoing with determination We will bring those responsible for the fire to justice, DesertRoseCharm.